Rassmussen: Collins up by 13 points

The latest from Rasmussen Reports has U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor) leading challenger and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland) 55 to 42 percent, a gap of 13 points.

Collins’ lead is down from polls released last month, where she held a 15 point lead. The polling firm gives Collins an 80 percent chance of winning reelection.

According to Rasmussen, 89 percent of Republicans and 23 percent of Democrats in Maine support Collins. Allen is supported by 74 percent of Democrats and 10 percent of Republicans.

Sixty-six percent of those polled had a favorable view of Collins, and 32 percent had an unfavorable view. Fifty-five percent had a favorable view of Allen, and 40 percent had an unfavorable view.

Rasmussen Reports also tested Gov. John Baldacci’s ratings. Thirty-two percent gave him a good or excellent rating, and 36 percent gave him a poor rating.

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is leading in the presidential race among Maine voters with 50 percent to Republican nominee John McCain’s 46 percent. Last month Obama was leading 53 to 39 percent with leaners included.

The survey included 500 likely voters. The margin of error is 4.5 percent.